5 Tips for the Novice Homemaker

Turning an empty house into a cozy home is a talent not everyone has. Some folks can envision a home and make it happen, while others need step-by-step instructions. So, let me share how I transformed our house into a comfy space where you'll want to cuddle up and watch a Nancy Meyers movie. Just don't expect it to look exactly like one of her movies; that woman's a genius, and we can't all be like her.

Here are 5 easy steps to create a cozy and functional space:

1.     Define Spaces with Rugs

Use area rugs to distinguish different areas in a room, like the living room, dining area, and play area.

My husband knows my love for rugs and the price tag that comes with them. But hear me out! Layering rugs is a budget-friendly way to fill up space and add your personal style. You can layer a wool or woven rug underneath for a natural touch. Splurging on high-quality rugs is worth it, especially with messy toddlers running around. These rugs are made to withstand spills and accidents.

Here, I have layered a Oushak rug from Milagro Collective on top of a woven rug to create dimension and cover more of the living area without breaking the bank.

2. Incorporate Comfortable Seating

Choose furniture that's both comfy and stylish, like plush chairs and sofas.

When making your house a home, you want to fill it with people you love. And what's worse than sitting on an uncomfortable couch? Exactly. I'll take comfort over style any day. But finding the perfect couch that fits a crowd and matches our home's look can be a challenge. Don't forget about the smaller spaces in your home. A cozy chair and a blanket can create a peaceful corner for relaxation.

DIY Tip: I'm not saying to become a hoarder, but consider how you can repurpose furniture in different areas of your home. Every piece shown above has been used in another room before, such as the buffet media console that was originally a standard dresser, but was transformed by me and my mom into our baby's changing table in his nursery.

3. Add Soft Textiles

Throw blankets, pillows, and curtains make a space feel cozy.

Snuggling up with a plush blanket on the couch or your favorite chair is the best feeling ever. And don't get me started on my love for drapery, even though my husband has a true dislike for hanging curtain rods. You don't need a designer to tell you how many curtain panels you need in each room. I'm not a pro, but I try to recreate styles I like in order to make our home feel like ours.

4. Add Personal Touches

Display family photos, artwork, and other meaningful items to make the space unique.

One of my favorite memories is going through my grandmother's old knick-knacks. If your grandma's not around, check out your local antique shop. Thrifting old items is a fun way to add character to your home. And when it comes to pictures and frames, don't overthink it. Home decor styles come and go, so just grab an old frame and put in that family photo where everyone's probably yelling at each other to smile.

The kitchen counter. It is the central spot where we spend a majority of our time. Adorned with personalized artwork from my sister-in-law and trinkets from both of my grandmothers, this area exudes comfort and nostalgia . The addition of some greenery enhances the overall vibe of this space.

5. Declutter and Organize

Keep the space clutter-free by decluttering regularly and using storage solutions.

I've been organizing spaces for as long as I can remember. As a former teacher, I needed a functional and decluttered space for my 20 energetic students. But before you go on a shopping spree for storage solutions, look around your home and see if you can reuse anything. Maybe there's an old box with your son's preschool artwork. Do you really need to keep all of that? Just kidding. There are other ways to store those precious pieces. My point is, try using what you have before buying new things. You'll still end up at Target, but at least you'll have a better idea of what you need and won't impulse buy that new soap dispenser.

The play area in our home has quickly become a favorite spot of mine. Originally a breakfast area, my Father-In-Law transformed it by adding built-in storage benches. Don't tell my kids that instead of toys, the space is filled with hardly used kitchen gadgets. Gently used baskets and totes help keep the play area organized as well.

DIY Tip: Create your own cushions! They are unexpectedly easy to make if you measure correctly. I crafted these a while back when we initially set up this area, and now, with kids taking over, I can relax knowing it's fine if they get stained with markers.

In conclusion, creating cozy and functional spaces is the key to a happy home where you can relax and unwind. A cozy and functional home is a reflection of your personality and values, showcasing your unique style and preferences. It is a place where you can fully express yourself and feel truly at ease. Even your fur-babies will appreciate the new vibe you've created.

XO, Ashley